VMware Systems Administrator

Link Solutions, Inc.
Full_timeSierra Vista, United States

📍 Job Overview

  • Job Title: VMware Systems Administrator (Intermediate-Level)
  • Company: Link Solutions, Inc.
  • Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona, United States
  • Job Type: Full-time
  • Category: Server Administration
  • Date Posted: 2025-07-14
  • Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)
  • Remote Status: On-site (Relocation incentive available)

🚀 Role Summary

  • Key Responsibilities: Monitor and troubleshoot VMware environment, provide Tier 1 and Tier 2 support, design and administer enterprise blade server and storage technologies, install and configure servers, perform backups and problem resolution, build highly available server clusters, and provide advice and training to end-users.
  • Key Technologies: VMware, vCenter, ESXi, Cisco FlexPod, Network Attached Storage, and related virtualization technologies.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

🛠 System Administration & Support

  • System Monitoring & Troubleshooting: Monitor and troubleshoot system performance within the VMware environment to ensure optimal functionality and efficiency.
  • Tiered Support: Provide Tier 1 and Tier 2 support to hosted tenants, addressing their technical issues and ensuring high service quality.
  • Server Configuration & Management: Install, configure, and integrate servers associated with a VMware virtual infrastructure, performing backups, troubleshooting, and problem resolution as needed.
  • Cluster & Network Configuration: Build highly available server clusters in a vSphere environment and configure virtual networks to support the virtualization infrastructure.

🛡️ Infrastructure Management & Security

  • Infrastructure Planning & Implementation: Design, plan, implement, and administer enterprise blade server and storage technologies in support of virtualization infrastructure, ensuring system performance and security.
  • Hardware Maintenance & Upgrades: Assist with the coordination and implementation of hardware maintenance, upgrades, repairs, or replacements supporting the virtualization infrastructure.
  • Security & Compliance: Administer enterprise VMware-based virtualization infrastructures covering vCenter ESXi environments version 6.0 and later, ensuring compliance with security standards and best practices.

📚 Collaboration & Training

  • Team Leadership & Mentoring: Provide guidance and work leadership to less-experienced staff members, fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment.
  • User Training & Support: Provide advice and training to end-users, helping them make the most of the virtualization infrastructure and troubleshooting any issues they may encounter.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong focus on collaboration and communication, as the VMware Systems Administrator will work closely with various stakeholders to ensure the smooth operation of the virtualization infrastructure and provide high-quality support to hosted tenants.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

🎓 Education & Experience

  • Education: Associate's degree (AA) in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Experience: Two (2+) years of relevant experience in system administration, virtualization, or a related field.

🛠 Required Skills

  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in VMware (vCenter, ESXi), Cisco FlexPod, Network Attached Storage systems, and related virtualization technologies.
  • Certifications: IAT Level II Certification equivalent or higher per DoD 8570/DoD 8140 (CompTIA Security+ CE, CCNA Security, GICSP, GSEC, SSCP, etc.).
  • Clearance: Must be a US Citizen with an active DoD Security Clearance.

🌟 Preferred Skills

  • Advanced Certifications: IAT Level III Certification equivalent per DoD 8570/DoD 8140 (CASP+, CCNP Security, CISA, CISSP, GCED, GCIH, etc.).
  • Networking & Security: Knowledgeable in creating a PPS (Ports, protocols, & services) request and experience with network installations and upgrades.
  • Communication & Organization: Excellent communication skills (written and oral) and interpersonal skills, superior organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, strong communication and organizational skills are crucial for this role to effectively collaborate with various stakeholders, provide high-quality support, and manage multiple tasks efficiently.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • System Administration Projects: Include examples of system administration tasks, such as server configuration, backup management, and troubleshooting, showcasing your proficiency in VMware and related technologies.
  • Infrastructure Management Projects: Highlight projects that demonstrate your ability to design, plan, and implement enterprise blade server and storage technologies, as well as manage virtualization infrastructure.
  • Security & Compliance Projects: Showcase projects that emphasize your understanding of security best practices, compliance with relevant standards, and experience in maintaining secure virtualization environments.

Technical Documentation:

  • System Administration Documentation: Include detailed documentation of system administration tasks, such as server configuration, backup management, and troubleshooting processes, demonstrating your attention to detail and commitment to best practices.
  • Infrastructure Management Documentation: Provide comprehensive documentation of infrastructure management projects, including design, planning, implementation, and maintenance processes, as well as any relevant performance metrics or optimization techniques.
  • Security & Compliance Documentation: Showcase your understanding of security best practices and compliance with relevant standards by including detailed documentation of security measures, vulnerability assessments, and remediation processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role involves working with sensitive military information, it is essential to ensure that your portfolio and technical documentation adhere to strict security protocols and best practices, demonstrating your commitment to maintaining the security and integrity of the virtualization infrastructure.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $85,000 - $110,000 per year (Estimated based on regional market rates for mid-level server administration roles in Arizona)

Benefits:

  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Company-Paid Long and Short-Term Disability
  • Life Insurance
  • Referral Bonuses
  • Relocation Incentive Program
  • Certification Reimbursement Program
  • Retirement Savings Plan

Working Hours: Mid Shift (Sunday - Wednesday, 10:00 p.m. - 8:30 a.m.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The estimated salary range is based on regional market rates for mid-level server administration roles in Arizona. The benefits package is competitive and includes a variety of health and wellness benefits, as well as retirement savings options to support the long-term financial well-being of employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Link Solutions, Inc. delivers reliable and effective Information Technology services to government clients in support of critical mission needs, focusing on Infrastructure Operations, Application Development, Cybersecurity, Virtualization, Cloud, and Mobility services.

Company Size: Medium-sized organization with a focus on quality, compliance, and innovation, employing approximately 500-1,000 employees.

Founded: 2003

Team Structure:

  • Technical Teams: The VMware Systems Administrator will work closely with various technical teams, including network engineers, system administrators, and security specialists, to ensure the smooth operation of the virtualization infrastructure and provide high-quality support to hosted tenants.
  • Stakeholders: The role involves collaborating with various stakeholders, including military personnel, end-users, and other Link Solutions, Inc. team members, to ensure the virtualization infrastructure meets the needs of the organization and its clients.

Development Methodology:

  • ITIL/ITSM: Link Solutions, Inc. follows ITIL/ITSM best practices to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of IT services, focusing on service quality, availability, and security.
  • Agile/Scrum: The company employs Agile/Scrum methodologies for software development and project management, emphasizing collaboration, flexibility, and continuous improvement.

Company Website: Link Solutions, Inc.

📝 Enhancement Note: Link Solutions, Inc. is a medium-sized organization that values quality, compliance, and innovation, employing approximately 500-1,000 employees. The company delivers reliable and effective Information Technology services to government clients, focusing on Infrastructure Operations, Application Development, Cybersecurity, Virtualization, Cloud, and Mobility services. The VMware Systems Administrator will work closely with various technical teams and stakeholders to ensure the smooth operation of the virtualization infrastructure and provide high-quality support to hosted tenants.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Mid-level (2-5 years) server administration role, responsible for managing and maintaining virtualization infrastructure, providing technical support, and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure optimal system performance and security.

Reporting Structure: The VMware Systems Administrator will report directly to the Infrastructure Operations Manager, working closely with various technical teams and stakeholders to ensure the smooth operation of the virtualization infrastructure and provide high-quality support to hosted tenants.

Technical Impact: The role has a significant technical impact on the organization, as the VMware Systems Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining the virtualization infrastructure that supports critical mission needs. The role requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining the security and integrity of the virtualization infrastructure.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Technical Specialization: Pursue advanced certifications and specialize in specific areas of interest, such as network security, cloud architecture, or data center management, to expand your technical skillset and qualify for more senior roles within the organization.
  • Team Leadership: Demonstrate strong leadership skills and take on mentoring responsibilities within the technical team, providing guidance and support to less-experienced staff members and contributing to the overall success of the organization.
  • Architecture & Design: Develop expertise in virtualization architecture and design, working on complex projects that require innovative solutions and a deep understanding of the underlying technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The VMware Systems Administrator role offers significant opportunities for career advancement and professional growth within the organization. By pursuing advanced certifications, demonstrating strong leadership skills, and developing expertise in virtualization architecture and design, mid-level server administrators can qualify for more senior roles and make a significant impact on the organization's technical strategy and success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site work environment, with a focus on collaboration, communication, and teamwork to ensure the smooth operation of the virtualization infrastructure and provide high-quality support to hosted tenants.

Office Location(s): Sierra Vista, Arizona, United States

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Workspace: The VMware Systems Administrator will work in a collaborative workspace, with a focus on teamwork, communication, and knowledge sharing to ensure the smooth operation of the virtualization infrastructure and provide high-quality support to hosted tenants.
  • Technical Tools & Equipment: The role requires access to various technical tools and equipment, such as VMware vCenter, ESXi, and related virtualization technologies, as well as network management and monitoring tools.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: The VMware Systems Administrator will collaborate with various technical teams and stakeholders, including network engineers, system administrators, and security specialists, to ensure the smooth operation of the virtualization infrastructure and provide high-quality support to hosted tenants.

Work Schedule: Mid Shift (Sunday - Wednesday, 10:00 p.m. - 8:30 a.m.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site work environment at Link Solutions, Inc. fosters collaboration, communication, and teamwork, with a focus on ensuring the smooth operation of the virtualization infrastructure and providing high-quality support to hosted tenants. The role requires access to various technical tools and equipment, as well as cross-functional collaboration with various technical teams and stakeholders to maintain the security and integrity of the virtualization infrastructure.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

  1. Phone Screen: A brief phone screen to assess your communication skills, technical proficiency, and cultural fit with the organization.
  2. Technical Assessment: A hands-on technical assessment, focusing on your ability to configure and manage VMware virtualization infrastructure, troubleshoot technical issues, and provide high-quality support to hosted tenants.
  3. On-Site Interview: An on-site interview with the Infrastructure Operations Manager and other technical team members, focusing on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit with the organization.
  4. Final Evaluation: A final evaluation based on your performance in the technical assessment and on-site interview, as well as your overall fit with the organization and its technical teams.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Portfolio Organization: Organize your portfolio to highlight your system administration, infrastructure management, and security skills, with a focus on VMware and related virtualization technologies.
  • Project Case Studies: Include detailed case studies of your most relevant projects, demonstrating your ability to manage and maintain virtualization infrastructure, provide technical support, and collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure optimal system performance and security.
  • Technical Documentation: Include comprehensive technical documentation of your system administration, infrastructure management, and security processes, demonstrating your attention to detail and commitment to best practices.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

  • VMware Fundamentals: Brush up on your VMware fundamentals, including vCenter, ESXi, and related virtualization technologies, to ensure you are well-prepared for the technical assessment.
  • Troubleshooting Skills: Develop your troubleshooting skills, focusing on system administration, infrastructure management, and security best practices, to ensure you can effectively address technical issues and provide high-quality support to hosted tenants.
  • Problem-Solving Strategies: Familiarize yourself with various problem-solving strategies, such as the "5 Whys" and "Root Cause Analysis," to ensure you can effectively identify and resolve technical issues in the virtualization infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and technical interview process for the VMware Systems Administrator role at Link Solutions, Inc. focuses on assessing your communication skills, technical proficiency, and cultural fit with the organization. By organizing your portfolio to highlight your relevant skills, including detailed case studies and technical documentation, and preparing for the technical assessment and on-site interview, you can demonstrate your qualifications and commitment to the role.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: N/A (This role focuses on server administration and virtualization infrastructure management)

Backend & Server Technologies:

  • VMware: vCenter, ESXi, and related virtualization technologies, including Cisco FlexPod and Network Attached Storage systems.
  • Networking: Cisco networking equipment, including switches, routers, and firewalls, as well as related network management and monitoring tools.
  • Storage: Enterprise blade server and storage technologies, including SAN, NAS, and DAS solutions, as well as related storage management and optimization tools.

Development & DevOps Tools:

  • IT Service Management (ITSM): ITIL/ITSM best practices for efficient and effective delivery of IT services, focusing on service quality, availability, and security.
  • Agile/Scrum: Agile/Scrum methodologies for software development and project management, emphasizing collaboration, flexibility, and continuous improvement.
  • Configuration Management: Configuration management tools, such as Ansible or Puppet, to ensure consistent and automated configuration of virtualization infrastructure and related technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for the VMware Systems Administrator role at Link Solutions, Inc. focuses on virtualization infrastructure management, with a strong emphasis on VMware and related technologies. The role requires proficiency in VMware vCenter, ESXi, and related virtualization technologies, as well as network management and monitoring tools, to ensure the smooth operation of the virtualization infrastructure and provide high-quality support to hosted tenants.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

  • Quality & Compliance: A strong commitment to quality and compliance, with a focus on delivering reliable and effective IT services to government clients in support of critical mission needs.
  • Innovation: A commitment to innovation, with a vision toward the future of the technology landscape and a focus on continuous improvement and adaptation to emerging technologies.
  • Mission-First, Customer Always: A guiding philosophy that prioritizes the organization's mission and the needs of its customers, ensuring the delivery of high-quality IT services that meet the unique requirements of each client.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: Close collaboration with various technical teams, including network engineers, system administrators, and security specialists, to ensure the smooth operation of the virtualization infrastructure and provide high-quality support to hosted tenants.
  • Code Review & Knowledge Sharing: A culture of code review and knowledge sharing, with a focus on continuous learning and improvement within the technical team.
  • Mentoring & Technical Leadership: A commitment to mentoring and technical leadership, with a focus on providing guidance and support to less-experienced staff members and fostering a collaborative and inclusive team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture at Link Solutions, Inc. emphasizes quality, compliance, and innovation, with a strong commitment to delivering reliable and effective IT services to government clients in support of critical mission needs. The VMware Systems Administrator will work closely with various technical teams, with a focus on cross-functional integration, code review, knowledge sharing, mentoring, and technical leadership to ensure the smooth operation of the virtualization infrastructure and provide high-quality support to hosted tenants.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

  • Virtualization Infrastructure Management: Managing and maintaining a complex virtualization infrastructure, ensuring optimal system performance, security, and scalability.
  • Troubleshooting & Problem Resolution: Troubleshooting technical issues and providing high-quality support to hosted tenants, often working in a high-pressure environment with tight deadlines and critical mission needs.
  • Security & Compliance: Ensuring the security and compliance of the virtualization infrastructure, with a strong focus on maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive military information.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Certifications: Pursuing advanced certifications, such as IAT Level III Certification equivalent per DoD 8570/DoD 8140 (CASP+, CCNP Security, CISA, CISSP, GCED, GCIH, etc.), to expand your technical skillset and qualify for more senior roles within the organization.
  • Technical Mentoring: Seeking out mentoring opportunities within the technical team, working closely with experienced system administrators and virtualization specialists to develop your skills and advance your career.
  • Architecture & Design: Developing expertise in virtualization architecture and design, working on complex projects that require innovative solutions and a deep understanding of the underlying technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technical challenges faced by the VMware Systems Administrator at Link Solutions, Inc. require strong technical skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining the security and integrity of the virtualization infrastructure. By pursuing advanced certifications, seeking out mentoring opportunities, and developing expertise in virtualization architecture and design, mid-level server administrators can overcome these challenges and make a significant impact on the organization's technical strategy and success.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

  • VMware Fundamentals: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of VMware vCenter, ESXi, and related virtualization technologies, as well as your experience with Cisco FlexPod, Network Attached Storage systems, and other relevant technologies.
  • Troubleshooting & Problem Resolution: Demonstrate your troubleshooting skills and problem-solving strategies, focusing on system administration, infrastructure management, and security best practices.
  • Security & Compliance: Showcase your understanding of security best practices and compliance with relevant standards, as well as your experience maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive military information.

Company & Culture Questions:

  • Company Culture: Demonstrate your understanding of Link Solutions, Inc.'s company culture, with a strong commitment to quality, compliance, and innovation, as well as the organization's guiding philosophy of "Mission First, Customer Always."
  • Team Dynamics: Showcase your ability to work collaboratively with various technical teams, including network engineers, system administrators, and security specialists, to ensure the smooth operation of the virtualization infrastructure and provide high-quality support to hosted tenants.
  • Adaptability & Flexibility: Demonstrate your ability to adapt to new technologies, emerging trends, and changing client needs, with a strong focus on continuous learning and improvement within the technical team.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Portfolio Organization: Organize your portfolio to highlight your system administration, infrastructure management, and security skills, with a focus on VMware and related virtualization technologies.
  • Project Case Studies: Include detailed case studies of your most relevant projects, demonstrating your ability to manage and maintain virtualization infrastructure, provide technical support, and collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure optimal system performance and security.
  • Technical Documentation: Include comprehensive technical documentation of your system administration, infrastructure management, and security processes, demonstrating your attention to detail and commitment to best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation process for the VMware Systems Administrator role at Link Solutions, Inc. focuses on assessing your technical proficiency, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit with the organization. By demonstrating your understanding of VMware and related technologies, showcasing your troubleshooting skills and problem-solving strategies, and highlighting your commitment to quality, compliance, and innovation, you can effectively navigate the interview process and secure the role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this VMware Systems Administrator position at Link Solutions, Inc.:

  1. Submit Your Application: Click on the application link provided and submit your application through the Link Solutions, Inc. careers portal.
  2. Prepare Your Portfolio: Organize your portfolio to highlight your system administration, infrastructure management, and security skills, with a focus on VMware and related virtualization technologies. Include detailed case studies of your most relevant projects and comprehensive technical documentation of your system administration, infrastructure management, and security processes.
  3. Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to emphasize your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and relevant experience in system administration, virtualization infrastructure management, and security. Highlight your portfolio and technical documentation to demonstrate your qualifications and commitment to the role.
  4. Prepare for Technical Assessment & Interview: Brush up on your VMware fundamentals, troubleshooting skills, and problem-solving strategies. Familiarize yourself with Link Solutions, Inc.'s company culture, team dynamics, and guiding philosophy of "Mission First, Customer Always." Prepare for the phone screen, technical assessment, on-site interview, and final evaluation, demonstrating your technical proficiency, adaptability, and cultural fit with the organization.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web technology industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Application Requirements

Candidates must be US Citizens with an active DoD Security Clearance and at least two years of relevant experience or an AA degree in a related field. IAT Level II Certification or higher is required, along with experience in VMware and network systems.